BRAVE-hearted fundraisers slept out on the streets of Trowbridge on Friday night to raise money for homeless charity Breakthrough Trowbridge.

A total of 12 people took part in the annual sleep out for the charity, who took over from Alabaré, to run the Trowbridge Drop-In Centre from the Salvation Army in Castle Street after they were forced to move premises in December.

Deputy mayor Nicola Blackmore along with her 17-year-old daughter Hayley took part to raise vital funds and awareness of supporting those less fortunate.

She added: “I must admit, I didn’t sleep and I think it was because of the noise which went on to about 4am. I was counting down the hours by the strikes of St James’ Church clock.

“It was definitely an experience and I was very pleased to have raised £200.”

Now temporarily based at the Salvation Army, Trowbridge Drop-In Centre is open to anyone over the age of 18 who is homeless or at risk of homelessness. It provides shelter, hot food, drinks and advice.

The sleep out is anticipated to have raised nearly £1,000 for the charity which will be put towards their services in the community as well as finding a more permanent home.

Trustee of Breakthrough Trowbridge, Mike Annan, also took part on Friday night to raise the profile of the charity’s work in the town.

He added: “I was a bit daunted to do it because you are exposed and it is that which is quite strange because you hear almost everything going on.

“When I was young, I was in the boy scouts and I thought I would be used to it or be able to cope but sleeping in the centre of a town was nothing like I imagined.

“I think people were able to get an insight into what others have to deal with and despite us being in an enclosed courtyard, you hear a lot of people walking past. If you don’t have that option and if you are trying to find somewhere to sleep, you are not protected. It didn’t by any means replicate what these guys have to deal with on a daily basis.”